Bushfires Destroy Historic Mt. Stromlo Observatory

Anthony writes "The historic Mt Stromlo observatory has been destroyed by fires. Unfortunately Google cache and similar archives are the only available detailed information. Looks like the web site was housed at the observatory. Telescopes housed there were 74" and 50" reflectors along with the "Oddie" 9" refractor used by the Canberra Astronomical Society. Also destroyed were a number of student houses and workshops. The view from the air is one of molten domes and twisted metal. These fires have already destroyed 388 houses in the suburbs of Canberra. Luckily the winds have not picked up today, but the danger is still high."

Comments

forest fires

[vldmr_krn]

This is an interesting article about why some forest fires are more destructive than they could be.

Re:forest fires

[m00nun1t]

I don't know much about other countries (as I'm Australian), but in Australia bush fires aren't a bad thing - they are part of the natural cycle of life here.

For example, there are some trees with seeds in pods that only open when burnt - without fires, this species of tree would have died out thousands of years ago. The problem is twofold: people have chosen to live in areas designed to burn down, and having people there increases the chances of a fire starting thus making it more frequent than it has to be. The fires will continue - we are the ones that have to change.

You can learn a bit more here..